Actively Recruiting
ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation With Exercise and Psychological Support
Led by HealthPartners Institute · Updated on 2026-05-05
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
39 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
H
HealthPartners Institute
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating two approaches to rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in young patients aged 15 to 21 years. The study compares Rehabilitation with Exercise and Psychological Support (REPS), which integrates exercise with psychological guidance, to standard rehabilitation without specialized psychological support. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to see if REPS improves psychological readiness and knee function more than standard care during recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will follow standard exercise protocols for ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone or quadriceps tendon autografts, with optional additional therapies like electrical stimulation or manual therapy. The REPS group will receive extra psychological support through trained physical therapists and patient training videos focusing on mental skills and recovery mindset. All participants will watch group-specific videos and receive exercise guidance via an online platform. Participants will attend four study visits over six months: one before surgery and three during follow-up after surgery. Assessments include psychological readiness for sport, fear of movement, knee function, pain, range of motion, and strength tests at various time points before and after surgery. Researchers will also monitor the feasibility and acceptance of REPS, collecting questionnaires about empathy and therapeutic alliance. The study follows participants for six months post-surgery to evaluate outcomes.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation With Exercise and Psychological Support
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 15 to 21 years at the time of surgery
- Pre-injury Tegner Activity Rating of 5 or higher (recreational to elite sports)
- Participation in sports for at least 100 hours per year before injury
- Intent to return to a sport involving cutting, jumping, or pivoting
- ACL reconstruction performed within 6 months of injury
- ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone or quadriceps tendon autograft
- Ability to complete rehabilitation at one of the 4 participating TRIA locations
You will not qualify if you...
- Previous ACL injury or surgery on either leg
- Ligament injury greater than Grade II or requiring surgery
- Surgery on articular cartilage needing non-weight-bearing after surgery
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 months
Participants receive rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction, either with standard exercise protocols or with additional psychological support through training videos and therapist guidance.
4 visits: pre-surgery baseline, prior to first post-surgical rehabilitation visit, 3 months post-surgery, and 6 months post-surgery
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
TRIA
Bloomington, Minnesota, United States, 55431
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
TRIA Research
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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